Reflexivity and whole brain thinking : An exploration.

This thesis details research exploring the synergistic combination of reflexivity and whole brain thinking. The two theories are not competing theories but nor, at this time, are they seen as mutually synergistic theories. In the thesis these two theories that have been used before by others as separate entities are combined and the synergistic output is built into a Route Map Programme. The thesis explores the events and patterns and themes identified by the participants and the infrastructure supporting those patterns and themes. Multiple longitudinal case studies in two different category businesses are used as the research vehicle. The findings support that the synergistic combination is warranted.The research focusses on a concern that in many organisations thinking is not encouraged or valued. The hierarchical model of organisation means that many individuals feel unable to contribute their ideas. The time poverty syndrome appears in abundance with individuals so very, very busy they have little time to think deeply. Thinking that is reactive and uses only an individual's preferred filters will not produce robust personal strategic thinking. It is clear from the findings that time spent being reflexive using the whole brain improves the depth and breadth of personal strategic thinking. Improving the depth and breadth of that thinking creates more robust thinking. By being whole brain reflexive individuals begin to take back control and build a robust personal career plan. The findings indicate that the participants, all well-educated, high powered, high commitment individuals do know how to learn and they can be good at it providing that: Sufficient reflexive time is dedicated to the learning, A toolbox of process models is made available to them, That the outcome is set by the individual. It is also clear from the findings that when the individual learns and grows both the individual and the business benefits. The findings support the meta proposition that when individuals dedicate time to reflexive whole brain thinking the following patterns and themes emerge: Resistance to strategy is reduc. Thinking increases in robustness. Personal Strategy is more robust. The thesis findings justify the supposition.